Hepatitis A can be found in the feces of people who have the disease. It can be spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus and also by close contact with an infected person (e.g. having sex or living in the same household).

Hepatitis C is also found in blood and some body fluids.It can be transmitted by sharing contaminated needles, through exposure to contaminated sharp objects, and transferred from a mother to her baby during birth. It is possible to contract as well through sexual intercourse with an infected person but rarer.

Is there a vaccination?

There is a vaccination for hepatitis A and B. However, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C.

Treatment and Recovery

The majority of people who contract hepatitis A are able to recover and the condition does not develop into a chronic infection. There is no treatment for this virus strain and doctors only prescribe supportive medication to alleviate the symptoms until a person recovers. Hepatitis B can develop into a chronic condition especially when contracted as a child. In addition, people with chronic hepatitis B infection have a higher risk of developing liver failure or liver cancer. There is antiviral medication to treat hepatitis B, the drugs prevent serious liver problems but do not get rid of the virus. When the liver damage is too severe a liver transplant is usually the last resort for this strain. Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medication.

Prevention

Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through immunization. In addition, for hepatitis A it is also important to wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers. Finally, it is also important to use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent the spread of hepatitis strains transmissible through sex.